Crew Fatigue In Aviation

This report is an analysis of crew fatigue and its adverse affects’ on the safety of a flight. The purpose of this report is to shed led light on the critical issue of pilot fatigue. In addition, to mitigate the number of incidents or accidents that come as a result of crew exhaustion. The aptness of each flight crew entangles both cargo and passengers operators alike, the Board members of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the pilots it regulates. A secondary audience would include the general flying public. This paper raises the subsequent inquiry: What impact does crew fatigue place on the aviation industry in terms of safety as well as cost? Then, what course of action can we take to improve safety and shrink costs associated with …show more content…
They are over 5 types of fatigue including compassion, adrenal, compassion, chronic, and fatigue in women. However, for the purpose of aviation it can be simplified into either mental fatigue or physical fatigue. “”When somebody experiences physical fatigue, it means they cannot continue functioning at their normal levels of physical ability.”” This is thought of as the more traditional exhaustion. Often overlooked is its equally dangerous counterpart, mental fatigue. It is described as “”Mental fatigue is a transient decrease in maximal cognitive performance resulting from prolonged periods of cognitive activity. It can manifest as somnolence, lethargy, or directed attention fatigue.”” It is important to note that even though these are two distinct weaknesses they often work in tandem for a possible deadly effect. This report will give proposals to combat …show more content…
Unfortunately, the aviation industry is ingrained with machismo and a labor force that has been brainwashed to get the job done by any means. Airline pilots by profession fly where few have gone and do what few can do. That said, It all takes a toll on the body. Pilots today are taught to resolve hazardous attitudes such as machismo and feelings of invulnerability. This is easier said than done when you have scheduling trying to extend your duty days and force more flights down your throat. Pilots fear repercussions if they do not accept the flight even if they are exhausted and not fit. It isn’t unheard of that scheduling will make you regret not taking the extra flight. A pilot then has two options. If they accept the additional flight they will be up later than originally planned, thereby reducing the amount of rest he or she will receive. The second option is to decline the trip, which up until recently was seen as calling out and recorded as a demerit on their employer records. It becomes a battle over profit and safety, where we can no longer allow profit to be victorious. This impacts the pilots that fly to the people and family of those being flown. Even those who live near airports should take note. Flying while fatigued isn’t